Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) has been a Kentuckiana professional wrestling promotion + training ground since it first entered the ring in 1993. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstars like John Cena and Brock Lesnar trained at OVW, and in 2018 it became the first accredited professional wrestling trade school in Kentucky. It costs $3,000 per semester — in case you were wondering.
While the regional wrestling gym might not be top of mind — or should we say top rope — for most Louisvillians, OVW’s legendary moments (and struggles) of the last 30 years did catch the attention of Netflix.
Al Snow was known for his deranged wrestling character of the same name that talked to a mannequin head.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Today, the streaming service released its latest original docuseries “Wrestlers.” The seven episode series chronicles OVW’s past, present, and future under the guidance of former WWE Superstar Al Snow.
In the show, you’ll meet OVW’s current cast of babyfaces and heels — like the newbie Hollywood Haley J — and follow their lives in and out of the ring. The series also sheds light on Snow’s fight to keep the business afloat amid mounting debt and new ownership struggles.
Mayor Craig Greenberg, one of three OVW owners, even makes an appearance in an episode.
The specs of the show:
- Director: Greg Whiteley — creator of “Last Chance U” + “Cheer”
- Maturity Rating: TV-MA
- Run time: Seven, ~55 minute episodes
- Stars: Al Snow, Elizabeth Hile, Justin Coburn
Since 2002, OVW has called 4400 Shepherdsville Rd. in West Buechel home. It broadcasts live wrestling matches every Thursday at 7 p.m. which you can attend in-person or watch on FITE TV. You can also catch the OVW crew live this weekend at the Gaslight Festival in Jeffersontown.
